Pro Surf: Nazare

Joseph Wilson
Jun 30
5 min read

Hey! I’m Maria—born and raised here in Nazare. I’ve been surfing these breaks since I was a kid, so welcome! You’re in one of the best surf towns in Portugal, hands down. Whether you’re totally new or just visiting, there’s something here for everyone. So here’s what to expect:

Respect the Local Surfers: Praia do Norte is home to some serious wave riders, and locals take pride in their surf spot. Always be respectful and aware of their presence.
Know the Wave Priority: The surfer closest to the peak (the wave’s breaking point) has the priority. Don’t drop in on others – this can cause accidents.
Wait Your Turn: Patience is key. Don’t paddle straight into the lineup and cut in front of others. Respect the rhythm of the waves and wait your turn.
Don’t Paddle in Front of Others: When paddling out, be aware of surfers riding the waves. Stay behind them or clear of the wave path.
No Dropping In: Don’t take a wave if another surfer is already riding it. Dropping in is seen as rude and dangerous.
Respect the "Lineup": The lineup is where surfers wait for waves. Don’t just paddle in and get in the way. Always stay clear and avoid blocking others’ paths.
Don’t Block the Waves: If you're paddling out, don't position yourself in front of the wave path. This can prevent others from catching a wave.
Respect the Beach Breaks: Praia do Norte has massive waves, and they can be quite dangerous. If you’re new, it’s best to stick to smaller surf days or use the less powerful sections of the beach.
Be Aware of the Strong Rip Currents: Praia do Norte is famous for its powerful rip currents. Don’t panic if caught, just swim parallel to the shore to escape them.
Keep a Safe Distance from Big Wave Surfers: If you’re not a big wave surfer, always give those charging the giant waves plenty of space.
Respect the Ocean: Finally, always respect the ocean and the waves. The power of the sea here can be humbling, so approach with caution and humility.

Stoked to see you out there!

You can find the surf forecast for the day below. Wave size can determine how likely you are to catch a wave in specific conditions, but time of day can impact how many other surfers (or even dangerous marine life) may be out in the surf break with you.)

2-6am	6-10am	10am-2pm	2-6pm	6-10pm	10pm-2am


5-7ft	5-7ft	6-8ft	6-8ft	6-8ft	5-7ft

Pick the time of day you want to surf, the board size you'll take with you, and more to determine if you have what it takes to go pro in Nazare.

2-6am

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- with only the most dedicated surfers in the water. The few surfers in the water allow you to get as many waves as you want, and you manage to crush it in front of the locals who invite you to join them for breakfast before the tourists start hitting the water.

Body Board

Seems the waves are pretty high for the bodyboard, but you're up for the challenge. For the most part, you fail to take off, but once in. awhile, you absolutely crush it. Too bad nobody's around to see.

6-10am

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- just as locals start hitting the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, and land a few great waves that impress the locals.

Body Board

Seems the waves are pretty high for the bodyboard, but you're up for the challenge. For the most part, you fail to take off, but once in. awhile, you absolutely crush it. Even the locals are impressed.

10am-2pm

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- but just as tourists start hitting the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, but you just can't help yourself from snaking a few waves- angering locals and tourists alike.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

2-6pm

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- but as tourists and locals alike are sharing the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, but you just can't help yourself from snaking a few waves- angering locals and tourists alike.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

6-10pm

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

You've found the perfect conditions for the shortboard- just as the tourists star leaving the water. You do your best to stay out of peoples' way, and land a few great waves that impress the locals.

Body Board

Seems the waves are too high for the bodyboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

10pm-2am

Paddle Board

Seems the waves are too high for the paddle board. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Longboard

Seems the waves are too high for the longboard. Try heading back to shore to grab a different size board.

Shortboard

Body Board